Paso Robles Executive and Industry Champion Honored at Global “Wine Star Awards”
October 9, 2026 (Paso Robles, CA) — Hope Family Wines announces that Executive Vice President Gretchen Roddick has been named “Person of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast in the 27th annual Wine Star Awards, the industry’s premier global awards celebration. The award recognizes Roddick’s outstanding contributions and impact as a leading voice in California’s wine community.
Roddick’s steadfast leadership working alongside Austin Hope has put the brand on the map globally, created national distribution, developed a robust direct-to-consumer sales channel and guided the 130-person team.
Roddick, who also serves as Board Chair of Wine Institute, is regarded as one of California’s foremost champions of wine and agriculture. She is known for her ready smile, tireless work ethic, constructive leadership abilities and passion for mentorship.
“It means a great deal to be recognized by the editors of Wine Enthusiast,” Roddick said. “But this doesn’t belong to me alone. When I started in the wine industry 30 years ago, I had no idea how many generous people would take time to teach me, push me and believe in me. My leadership style and drive come from those mentors and colleagues. I’m proud of what we’ve built together and grateful for the opportunity to help the next generation find their own path in our industry.”
Under Roddick’s leadership, Hope Family Wines has grown into one of California’s most recognized wine companies. Her influence extends well beyond the winery through her industry service and her commitment to developing emerging talent.
“Gretchen is a relentlessly optimistic difference maker at a time when our industry needs it most,” said Jacqueline Strum, president and publisher of Wine Enthusiast Media. “Her leadership has been instrumental in the growth and success of Paso Robles and the greater wine industry. Best of all, she lifts others up, brings people together and doesn’t see obstacles, only opportunities. For these reasons and more, Gretchen has unquestionably earned the title of ‘Person of the Year’ at the 2026 Wine Star Awards.”
Rooted in Paso Robles
Roddick grew up in San Jose, California as the daughter of entrepreneurial parents who taught her to “try hard, fail fast, and keep going.” In 1997, after graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo with a degree in Fruit Science and a minor in Agricultural Business, Roddick found a ground-floor opportunity with a small, unknown family winery in Paso Robles that would become known as Hope Family Wines.
With President and Winemaker Austin Hope at the helm, Hope Family Wines aspired to make world-class wines and become an enduring champion of Paso Robles. Roddick joined Hope in driving this vision forward. Since those early days, the winery’s annual sales have grown from 1,000 cases to nearly one million—a Paso Robles success story that culminated in Hope Family Wines being named Wine Enthusiast’s 2022 American Winery of the Year.
“Austin has been my greatest mentor and motivator,” Roddick said. “He leads by example in everything he does, and his work ethic sets the pace. His commitment to giving back to our community and industry has shaped how I show up every day. That’s a legacy I hope to carry forward.”
As Executive Vice President at Hope Family Wines, Roddick joins Hope in overseeing all company operations including production, winemaking, finance, hospitality, sales and marketing. The team is dedicated to elevating Paso Robles on the global stage.
“Gretchen’s work ethic, insatiable drive, and passion for success have been a privilege to watch for 30 years,” said Austin Hope, president and winemaker of Hope Family Wines. “Her love for life and people is infectious to be around. Her natural-born leadership style to bring people together for a common goal is world class.”
Champion of California
Throughout her career, Roddick has been a passionate advocate for Paso Robles and the California wine industry, leading her to get involved and join the Wine Institute Board of Directors as a central coast director in 2008.
Her leadership path at Wine Institute and steadfast commitment placed her in a board officer role in 2025 as her peers elected her to the position of First Vice Chair. In June 2026, Roddick was elected to serve as 2026-27 Board Chair, The Wine Institute’s top leadership position. In this role, Roddick leads the board of directors to support legislative and regulatory advocacy, international market development, media relations, scientific research and education programs that benefit California’s wine industry.
Roddick was recognized by her peers in 2022 as San Luis Obispo County’s Wine Industry Person of the Year. She has a deep sense of community and shares her expertise through mentorships and speaking engagements. She serves on the board of Travel Paso, the official destination marketing organization for Paso Robles. Other community involvements past and present include roles with the Paso Robles Chamber of Commerce, Paso Robles CAB Collective and the Cal Poly Wine & Viticulture Advisory Board.
“I’m going to take a moment to enjoy this,” Roddick said. “Paso Robles and California wine have given me so much, and it’s a joy to share this recognition with everyone who has made our region what it is today. I can’t wait to see where we go next, together.”
About Hope Family Wines
Hope Family Wines is one of the pioneering heritage wineries that helped spark the modern winemaking era in Paso Robles. Owner-Winemaker Austin Hope grew up in Paso Robles as the son of winegrowers Chuck and Marlyn Hope, from whom he inherited his love and respect for the region. Hope Family Wines today spans six brands that exemplify the world class quality and diversity of Paso Robles: Austin Hope, Treana, Quest, Austin, Liberty School and Troublemaker. In the fall of 2022, Hope Family Wines was named “American Winery of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast’s annual Wine Star Awards, and the winery’s flagship Austin Hope Cabernet Sauvignon has twice been named a “Top 10 Wine of the Year” by Wine Enthusiast. Most importantly, Hope Family Wines works with 50 partner growers and a dedicated family of employees who make it all possible. More at HopeFamilyWines.com.
